Anyone shoot 7mm rem mag?

[JMCrane]

Anyone with first hand experience shooting an Encore Rifle in 7MM rem mag. What sort of accuracy can be expected with factory ammo and pet loads. Will be looking for 2 loads, one for long range Mule deer and another for Elk. Idaho terrain and hunting pressure often require longer range shooting than some other areas. Any experience imput welcomed.

[Rog]

I purchased a stainless 26" barrel for my Encore last summer.

I have only been to the range once with it.  Using ammo left over from my last 7 Mag (M700) I shot a group at 100 meters that was between 0.6 and 0.7 inches for three shots.

That load consisted of Hodgdon H1000, F215, Nosler 150 BT, and R-P ni cases.  Velocity was chrono'd at 3140 fps.

I only had about 1/2 dozen rounds or so, and I let a friend shoot it also, so I only got in one three shot group, plus the sighter shots.

Unfortunately, I didn't have any more of the H1000 to load up and see if it could be duplicated.  I suspect that it could...

I also shot some Speer 160 BTSP pushed by H1000 that shot well also.

I plan to get to the range soon and develop a load just for the Encore 7 Mag.  My plans are to try some RL22, H4831SC, and IMR7828 to see if they perform well.  I had grown quite fond of H1000 in the 7 Mag from the previous two 7's I'd owned, and need to replenish my supply of it.  First, I need to use up some of my other powders.

You mentioned that you wanted two loads, one for mule deer and one for elk.  Why don't you just work up one load for both using a 150 grain bullet?  The 7mm/150 has about the same SD as a 30cal/180.

Using a bullet such as the Nosler 150 Partition, Scirroco 150, Barnes 150 XBT should work well for both animals.  In fact, my uncle routinely goes after mule deer with his 7 Mag using Barnes 150 X bullets.  Seem to work fine for those animals, plus I know of at least one year he hunted elk using them too.  Don't know the outcome of that hunt, though.

Regards,

Rog

[Old One Shot]

howdy, Yes I shoot a 7mm mag. I hunt Montana often as I can, my favorite round is factory wise would be the Hornady 139 SST. Others may not agree but on deer size game I have never had a problem. I practice at shooting compact disc that I have painted brighter at 300 yds. My feelings if you can hit that at 300 yds. your well within the kill zone. Again this is just me and its not that scientific but it works. ( I practice alot). I also hand load and thats another story alittle better results...... Good luck and shoot straight...

[JJFly]

I shoot a heavy barrel 27" Encore 7mm Mag (VVCG's).  It sports a 6.5x20 50mm Leupold Tactical Scope.  I shoot 150gr Scirocco Remington Ammo and 160gr Nosler Partitioin Federal Ammo.  I hand load for it too, but have yet to beat the sub 1" 200yd groups with both factory ammos.  If these two bullets don't do what you need them to, it's time to keep practicing shot placement.

[Muddyboots]

Welcome aboard!
RL-22 with Hornady 162 and Nosler 160 Partitions both MOA and around 3,000 fps out of 26" barrel. Hornady 139 SST's were golden with IMR7828 and they screamed out at 3350 fps. Caution with them since they aren't worth crap inside 150 yds on deer size animals at that velocity but are great antelope round. Accuracy was exceptional with SST's with repeatable <0.5" at 100 yds and <2" at 200. All loads 0.010 off lands.
Muddyboots